Shakespeare & Company Fourth of July Community Celebration

(Lenox, MA) – Shakespeare & Company will host a Fourth of July Community Celebration: “We Hold These Truths” on their property at 70 Kemble Street, Lenox MA. This annual event is an all-American Independence Day celebration with music, food, children’s crafts and activities, and a public reading of one of the most stirring, and influential documents in our country’s history, The Declaration of Independence.

“We are consistently reminded of the power of words, our founding fathers emphasized that, and we honor them by coming together on this celebrated day — and everyone loves a picnic,” said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. “We hope you will join us to hear this powerful document read aloud.”

The event will run from 1:30-5:00pm with ongoing activities for the whole family including a children’s crafts table, face painting, and a photo booth. Popular local musicians, the Amy Ryan Band, will perform their unique mix of country/rock blues. Company artists and special guests from the community will read the Declaration of Independence beginning at 3:00pm. Food is available for purchase on site from Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co.

“We invite the Berkshire Community to bring the whole family down to celebrate with us,” said Managing Director Adam Davis. “Between the reading, fun family activities, live music, and the barbecue, we have something planned for everyone.”

The celebration will be followed by the first preview of Cymbeline at 6:00pm in the Tina Packer Playhouse. Tickets are on sale now. The Fourth of July Community Celebration will happen rain or shine, and is generously sponsored by David and Natalie Johnsonius Neubert.

About the Amy Ryan Band:
Witnessing Amy’s solo performances at open mic sessions in New York’s Capital Region, guitarist Richard Green saw an opportunity to combine his own blues guitar chops with a gutsy female singer with the potential to lead a great blues band. The Amy Ryan Band was soon born. Melding together Amy’s country blues mojo and Richard’s urban blues and rock sensibilities this musical partnership is rounded out by bassist Steve Dietemann and new drummer Al Bauman. With a repertoire that includes band adaptations of Amy’s self-penned solo tunes, newly minted originals and select covers, the Amy Ryan Band rocks the blues.

About Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co.
Firefly Gastropub & Catering Co. offers up the relaxed, gastropub concept, which focuses on high-quality comfort food and a commitment to serving both loyal and local customers, in an open and welcoming atmosphere. Offerings include a craft beer menu, creative cocktail selections, and her signature, fresh take on pub fare in addition to seasonally curated specials to enhance Firefly’s primary menu. The venue hosts live music and entertaining events, and is one of the few restaurants in the area catering to a late-night clientele with extended kitchen hours to 11pm.

About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to Shakespeare & Company’s internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and nationally renowned and an award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.